Expatriating to Paraguay has nothing to do with traveling there. Residence, taxation, social security, and moving follow precise rules that change regularly (the current immigration law, Law No. 6984/2022, is only a few years old). This guide cross-references official information from the Dirección General de Migraciones, CLEISS, France Diplomatie, and SENACSA to give you an honest, up-to-date view of the process, without overstating the ease or the difficulty. Each subpage covers a specific topic in depth: temporary residence, permanent residence, administrative procedures, available benefits, pets, and moving.
The 8 topics to master before expatriating
Ma checklist expatriation
…At a glance
- •Temporary residence: the first mandatory step, valid for 2 years, renewable
- •Permanent residence: by category change, by investment, or by MERCOSUR agreement
- •Formalities: identity card, tax RUC, degree recognition, driver's license
- •Starting a business: creating your company through SUACE, EAS/SRL/SA bylaws, and IRE taxation
- •Benefits: what France covers (and does not cover) abroad, the CFE, the consulate
- •After settling in: schools, private clinics, consular registration, daily life
- •Pets: SENACSA rules for importing a dog or cat
- •Moving: customs exemption for household goods, sea or air freight container
One point deserves clarification from the outset: France has not signed any bilateral social security agreement with Paraguay. In practical terms, a French expatriate settling in Paraguay leaves the French social security system and must arrange their own health coverage and pension, through the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE) or private insurance. This is a point many guides gloss over.
The common thread in successful expatriations: those who plan ahead the most get the best results. The six topics listed above are not independent of each other. Residence determines getting your identity card, which in turn unlocks access to the tax RUC and the local healthcare system. Expatriates often report being blocked for months because they underestimated the time needed for document apostilles or the processing time for their residence application. Our advice: treat the six months before departure as an administrative preparation phase in its own right.
Among the six topics listed, the two that concentrate the most beginner mistakes are residence and health coverage. Set up a reverse timeline six months before departure. See the Temporary residence and Formalities pages.
The two types of residence for a foreigner
Paraguay distinguishes between temporary residence and permanent residence. Temporary residence is the first step, valid for 2 years in the general regime (renewable once). It is the status that every non-MERCOSUR foreigner obtains first. Permanent residence, on the other hand, can be applied for after a period of temporary residence, or directly in certain specific cases such as significant real estate investment or the MERCOSUR agreement.
| Comparison of residence types | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary residence (general regime) | 2 years, renewable once | All non-MERCOSUR foreigners | Full application, appointment at Migraciones | ≈ 340 € |
| Temporary residence (MERCOSUR regime) | 2 years, non-renewable | Citizens of MERCOSUR member/associate countries | Simplified application | Reduced fee |
| Permanent residence (category change) | 10 years, renewable | Holders of temporary residence | Within 3 months before temporary residence expiry | ≈ 410 € |
| Permanent residence (investment) | 10 years, renewable | Investors (threshold varies by legislation) | Proof of investment required | Variable |
One detail I have not seen mentioned in official guides: permanent residence by investment can be obtained without going through temporary residence in certain cases. The investment threshold is periodically set by the Paraguayan government and generally refers to real estate, agriculture, or industry. In practice, most expatriates start with temporary residence, which is easier to obtain, and then change category. Once permanent residence is obtained, the title is valid for 10 years and renewable. Upon expiry, renewal requires submitting an updated Paraguayan criminal record extract and proof of income or activity in the territory.
Temporary residence is sufficient to live, work, open a bank account, and obtain an RUC. The advantage of permanent residence: it frees you from renewal every two years.
Temporary residence in the general regime is renewable once, bringing the total duration to 4 years.
Health coverage: a frequent blind spot
I said it above, but it is important enough to dedicate an entire section to it: France and Paraguay have no bilateral social security agreement. A French person settling in Paraguay therefore ceases to be covered by the French Assurance Maladie. This means that hospitalization or any major medical treatment will be entirely at your own expense, unless you have taken out private coverage.
- 1Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE): voluntary membership, covers routine care and hospitalization, with a monthly contribution varying by age and level of coverage
- 2International private insurance: alternative to the CFE, often more flexible, reportedly more expensive for equivalent coverage
- 3IPS (Instituto de Previsión Social): the Paraguayan public system, accessible to declared employees and their families, basic coverage at moderate cost
My advice: do not skimp on health coverage during the first few months. While you obtain your identity card, understand the local system, and choose a Paraguayan health plan, international insurance keeps you from taking any risk. See the Formalities page for details on health-related administrative procedures.
Cost of living for an expatriate
Paraguay is known for its low cost of living, but the reality depends heavily on your lifestyle and where you settle. Asunción is more expensive than the countryside, and some imported products (electronics, brand-name clothing, European cheeses) reach prices comparable to Europe.
| Approximate monthly expenses in Asunción | |
|---|---|
| Furnished apartment (1 bedroom, city center) | 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 Gs (350-580 €) |
| Furnished apartment (1 bedroom, outskirts) | 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 Gs (175-290 €) |
| Groceries (1 person) | 800,000 - 1,200,000 Gs (95-140 €) |
| Restaurant meal (starter+main+dessert) | 60,000 - 120,000 Gs (7-14 €) |
| Fiber internet plan | 150,000 - 250,000 Gs (18-29 €) |
| Electricity, water, gas (medium apartment) | 200,000 - 400,000 Gs (23-47 €) |
These figures come from my own experience and data compiled by Numbeo. A single person living in a central Asunción neighborhood can get by on 700-900 € per month, not counting rent. A couple with a comfortable Western lifestyle should expect more like 1,500-2,000 € per month, including decent housing and some going out.
- 1Visa and residence fees: budget 370 EUR for the first title, 410 EUR for the switch to permanent residence, not including translations and apostilles
- 2Buying or renting a vehicle: a used car in Paraguay costs 25 to 50% more than in Europe due to high import taxes
- 3Electricity in summer: air conditioning in a medium-sized apartment can double the bill between November and March, i.e. 400,000-800,000 Gs/month (47-93 EUR)
- 4Banking fees: international transfers to or from Europe are charged 15 to 50 EUR per transaction depending on the bank
Taxation and starting a business
Paraguayan taxation attracts many expatriates, particularly because of its territorial taxation principle: only income generated on Paraguayan soil is taxable. Income from foreign sources (rent received in Europe, dividends from a foreign company) is not taxed in Paraguay. This is a considerable advantage, but it requires rigorous tax structuring.
- 1Personal Income Tax (IRP): progressive rate up to 10%, applicable only to income from Paraguayan sources
- 2VAT: 10% on most goods and services, 5% on certain essential products
- 3RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente): the mandatory tax identification number to work or start a business
- 4Company creation: possible through an EAS (Simplified Joint-Stock Company) in a few weeks, moderate cost
Another point I would like to address here: opening a bank account. Without a Paraguayan identity card, most banks refuse to open a checking account. The process becomes possible once residence is obtained, but remains bureaucratic: in-person appointment, recommendation from an existing client at certain banks, and a minimum initial deposit ranging from 500,000 to 5,000,000 Gs depending on the institution. The banks most used by expatriates are Itaú, BBVA, and Banco Continental, which offer decent online services and international cards. To open an account, expect an appointment of about one hour, a proof of address, and your identity card. Some banks ask for a recommendation from an existing client.
Pitfalls to avoid
- 1Arriving on a tourist visa and improvising. Residence cannot be improvised from Paraguay. Prepare your complete application in your home country (apostilled certificates, criminal record).
- 2Underestimating the cost of translations. A complete application (birth certificate, criminal record, diplomas) translated by a sworn translator costs 200 to 400 EUR. No translation = application rejected.
- 3Neglecting health insurance in the first few months. Hospitalization without coverage costs 2,000 to 4,000 EUR at a private clinic in Asunción. Take out insurance BEFORE leaving.
- 4Paying an intermediary without verifying their credentials. Unauthorized 'facilitators' offer turnkey residence for 2,000 to 5,000 EUR. Some are legitimate, others disappear with the money. Always verify their registration with Migraciones.
- 5Thinking French is enough. The Paraguayan administration works in Spanish. Without solid foundations, every procedure requires an interpreter. Learn at least basic administrative Spanish before leaving.
Simulez votre délai d'installation
Relocation timeline estimator
Estimated time: 8–12 weeks
Steps
- Résidence permanente
- Cédula
- Compte bancaire
Exportez votre dossier personnalisé
My Paraguay file
Retiree
Estimated time: 8–12 weeks
- Résidence permanente
- Cédula
- Compte bancaire
Estimated monthly budget (Asunción, comfortable)
2,325,000 Gs – 4,425,000 Gs / month
Use Ctrl+P and choose “Save as PDF”.
Last updated:
Sources
- Dirección General de Migraciones: Portal oficial (2026)
- Dirección General de Migraciones: Residencia temporal (2026)
- CLEISS: Acuerdos internacionales de seguridad social firmados por Francia (2024)
- CFE: Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (2025)
- France Diplomatie: Consejos a los viajeros Paraguay (2025)
- Poder Judicial del Paraguay: Carta de Naturalización (2025)
- Numbeo: Costo de vida en Paraguay (2026)
My method
This page is written from France, sourced as carefully as possible, but I can be wrong or miss on-the-ground detail. A price that changed, outdated info, a photo to share? Every correction is credited if you want.
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